Reparative Rebirth: African Children at the Heart of Climate Justice and Sovereignty

Millions of African children are born into multiple, overlapping crises that shape their lives from the very beginning. They face extreme climate risks, including heatwaves, floods, and food shortages, while also growing up in systems that limit their access to healthcare, education, and basic security. These challenges are not accidental—they are the result of centuries of colonial exploitation, ongoing economic inequalities, and global decisions that prioritize profit over the well-being of children.

The article argues that true climate justice cannot be achieved without focusing on birth equity. Birth equity means ensuring that every child is born with the conditions needed to survive, thrive, and participate fully in society. Legal and policy frameworks, like the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, exist to protect these rights, but they are often undermined by international debt, foreign aid restrictions, and corporate interests. As a result, African children bear the consequences of decisions made far from their homes.

To address these harms, the article proposes a framework called “Reparative Family Justice.” This approach treats birth equity as a human right and a condition for sovereignty. It calls for redistributing resources extracted from Africa over centuries, creating trust funds financed by climate reparations, and implementing laws that hold governments and corporations accountable for actions that affect children’s lives.

Reproductive justice is also crucial, as women’s ability to make safe and informed reproductive choices is closely linked to children’s survival and well-being. Policies must ensure access to healthcare, protect land rights, and value caregiving labor.

Ultimately, centering birth equity is essential to reclaim a future where African children are not defined by structural neglect or environmental harm. Justice begins at birth, and only by recognizing children as full human beings with political and social rights can global systems become truly legitimate and equitable.

Read the full article “Reparative Rebirth: African Children at the Heart of Climate Justice and Sovereignty” by Esther Afolaranmi

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.